Property has consistently been one of our largest areas of loss, with fire, flood and storm being the main drivers.
To support our members in reducing property damages and claims, we’re partnering with FM Affiliated (FM), the lead reinsurer for our Statewide Mutual Property Scheme, to run a series of 7 Property Protection Roadshow workshops across the state this year.
Destroyed by disasters
In 2019–2020, New South Wales was ravaged by one of the worst bushfires ever recorded in the state, with more than 5 million hectares burned.
The fires also destroyed over 3,000 homes, 284 facilities and 5,500 outbuildings.
Then in 2022, the state was hit by devastating floods, damaging close to 11,000 properties. Many councils suffered significant losses, including damage to infrastructure, buildings, plant rooms, swimming pools and motor vehicles.
These are just two major examples; councils often face other fires, flood and storm incidents resulting in damaged properties, all year round.
Yet, with the right risk mitigation and management in place, many losses can be prevented.
Why rising claims matter
Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen property claims steadily increase.
What does that mean for us – and for you, as a member?
- Each property claim costs a member in the form of their deductible (excess).
- Your council service levels are affected.
- Communities are impacted through loss of facilities, services and trauma.
- Additional pressure is placed on council staff to implement workarounds and reinstate infrastructure.
- It can take considerable time to reinstate infrastructure to return to normal operating conditions.
That’s why we’re holding the Property Protection Roadshow – to help our member councils prevent property damage and reduce claims.
Supporting councils to safeguard assets
The workshops run from February to October 2025 and will cover topics such as:
By Statewide:
- The Mutual’s structure.
- Claims data and the impact of various property claims on the Mutual.
- How the Property Scheme works.
By FM:
- Fire prevention.
- Flood loss prevention.
- Storm damage prevention.
- Building design and maintenance.
- The FM Research Campus, testing capabilities and results.
- Case studies on designing potential risks out of projects and preventing recurrence of past losses.
Your council will also learn more about Statewide and FM’s range of free services. These include property protection inspections, plan revision services and risk mitigation support.
All our workshops are held in person and free to attend with lunch and refreshments provided.
Register for the roadshow now – or speak to your Regional Risk Manager to learn more.